Monday, 24 October 2011

adoro mi oro: gold upcycling with katja jesek

Last week I went to a blogger event in Barcelona about gold "upcycling."

Katja Jesek runs Adoro mi Oro ("I love my gold" in Spanish), where, in addition to making some beautiful jewelry, she hosts fashion's version of tupperware parties... people bring bits of old gold that they don't want (broken chains, single earrings, gifts from your auntie that aren't your style), melts it down, and works with you to design a special piece you'll really love and wear. As you are providing the gold, all you pay is the labour, which makes it not only an opportunity to reuse and recycle, but also fairly recession-proof.

At the event, Katja told us more about gold upcycling, demonstrated the process of melting down the gold, and looked stunning in an immaculate vintage 1970s designer dress by Pedro Rodriguez. The rest of us milled around the gorgeous antique shop where the event was held, taking photos, eating melon and parmesan on sticks, and sipping cava.

Anyone interested can find Katja at her website or her Etsy shop. (the Etsy shop, due to its international nature, is not upcycling and therefore prices include the cost of gold)

molten gold

P.S. This is in no way a sponsored post. I'm a big fan of local designs, and having worked in jewelry shops before, find these pieces to be gorgeous and high quality.

P.P.S. I've now written a couple of articles for a Barcelona tourism guide, and I'd be delighted if any of you wanted to check them out. I'll probably be a bit of a nuisance about this, as my boss seems to think I'm some kind of stat booster in addition to writer and well, it makes me look good. Thanks ladies and gents : D

Gold upcycling parties...what a great idea! I've sent my old gold off to Overstock.com's gold recycling program, but how much better to see it actually made into something new! Your flatmate sounds like a lovely person and quite talented as well:)

Heather introduced me to your blog and now I'm hooked! I just returned from Barcelona last month and I have nothing but praises for the city. I wish I came across your blog earlier (especially after realizing that you write about tourism in Barcelona!).

Oh and lucky you for having such an amazing flatmate! I love being around people in the creative industry and witnessing the making of their lovely creations right before your eyes. :)

this concept is so much cooler than all those companies advertising "selling your gold for cash." it's smart to hang onto it that's for sure. by the looks of it you're having a lovely time in Barcelona.

I love that she's making good use of old jewelry that would just go to waste AND letting you make something you'll actually wear yourself, so awesome! Looks like an awesome time in that awesome antique store. Lucky you to have found such a cool flatmate!

Outfits

Journeys

About Me

I've spent my twenties as a nomad in Scotland, Catalonia, Mexico, South Africa, England and my native Canada, trying to make one suitcase (and a much-too-heavy carry-on bag) stretch as far as they can. The search continues for the magical ruby slippers, but here are the journeys without them so far. Email me at rubyslipperjourneys(at)gmail(dot)com